Who's Going to Run This Town?

Who's Going to Run This Town?

Our children have run amuck and no one wants to point fingers.

Well, it’s my newspaper and I’ll point if I want to.

In this All-Around-Failure, you would think these so-called Black leaders would be embarrassed and ashamed at their own impotence. You would think that with 10,000 Black churches in Chicago the streets would be like heaven on earth. You would think that over 300 Ministers would meet over our children and not who to back for Cook County Board President. You would think they would have been praying over spilled blood instead of Burris and Blagojevich. You would think they would be holding meetings with gang leaders instead of press conferences.

Why haven’t these churches adopted the neighborhood and school in their immediate radius during all of these years of murder and mayhem? Why are their doors closed six days a week? What is this “victory” that the choir sings about? Why aren’t they performing miracles in Jesus name? Why are Brink armored trucks picking up bags of money on Monday morning?

Someone should drag all of these fake Reverends into Federal Court and charge them with Fraud and Embezzlement on behalf of Jesus.

I have HAD IT with all of them. How about we hold press conferences against them, picket their counterfeit churches and organizations, and demand that they provide the community with a stimulus package out of their stash of tithes, federal, state, and city funds?

Oh, I forgot, we’re waiting on Jesus to come down and do the work of grown men. We’re waiting on Jesus because he is the only one who saves. We’re waiting on the President to give us money and we’re waiting on Mayor Daley to tell us what to do. And as long as we pray and wait, we are free from responsibility. Our sins will not be visited on our children. After all, Jesus died for them. As do our young people.

For the record, there have always been school fights, neighborhood rumbles, and teenagers with natural aggression. Additionally, the dismantling of Chicago’s housing projects placed thousands of children into new environments where their only safety net is to join an established group for belonging and protection. And since there are few male church groups recruiting them, they join gangs. The same as when young men enter prison - deciding to go solo makes you an instant target.

Meanwhile, America’s media slovenly celebrates the underbelly, subculture, and degeneracy of our society. Music, videos, movies, and video games have gone unchecked and are glorifying the jailhouse and criminal lifestyle to the point that our children are ignorantly wearing their pants in the same way some homosexual inmates convey the message of “easy access”.

And no matter how much funding comes to churches and not-for-profits, no matter how many police, and no matter how many of us take a stand, we will still miss the mark if we don’t own up to what is happening.

Jesse Jackson, stop calling for the National Guard.

The National Guard will not solve the ills in our community. Our solution is Divine. Our youth are displaying the result of our compromised Black identity. We wanted to ingratiate ourselves and be more acceptable to main stream society and as a result, our offspring do not know who they are, where they came from, and where they are going. The one thing they DO know is that the adults surrounding them are toothless and no one wants to be associated with a coward.

Here it is - Why would Almighty God have both Dr. King and Elijah Muhammad prominent at the same time? Further, what would have happened if they had the opportunity to engage each other more? There is power in choosing sides but there is more power in learning from each other.

Instead, we allowed society to demonize them both. Black people picked sides and Elijah Muhammad was labeled a pariah and we willingly made him an outcast of Black society. And on Dr. King’s birthday, there are so many sickening speeches that I often wonder why Almighty God doesn’t just throw a lightening bolt to stop the madness. It’s as if they’re saying, “Thank you, Lord. We have integrated. We have arrived. Black youth? Who?” (People actually had the nerve to jump on President Obama when he brought up the state of our families.)

Once Dr. King was killed, Civil Rights Leaders became elected officials and business men and were no longer a threat as a possible source of power. By the time I was born, it was safe to honor Dr. King in public. Not so of Elijah Muhammad. After Elijah Muhammad was gone, the Nation of Islam became dismantled by Elijah’s son Wallace but a few years later, Louis Farrakhan brought it back.

If Farrakhan had not brought back Elijah’s teachings, we would have had an Elijah Muhammad Day every year on October 7th. But, because there was a living, breathing protégé capable of attracting huge numbers, Elijah and Farrakhan had to remain as outcasts.

Because of J. Edgar Hoover, an equal-opportunity-Black-empowerment- destroyer, and our fearfulness, Farrakhan has been on the outside of many important discussions. Didn’t Jesus say, “And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring” ? When is someone going to invite Farrakhan to the table, into these schools, and into these neighborhoods?

Does not the NOI have a proven track record with violence intervention? With newly released inmates? With the incarcerated? With drug addicts? With gang truces? With illiteracy? With parenting classes? With male training? With female training? Have they not been successful even without federal, state, and city funding?

Do for Self? Wow. What a concept.

There is one fundamental principle of the Nation of Islam that makes them successful while others continually stumble and look to others to save them - Knowledge of Self. Not book knowledge, but true Knowledge of Self.

"Knowledge of the self is the mother of all knowledge. So it is incumbent on me to know my self, to know it completely, to know its minutiae, its characteristics, its subtleties, and its very atoms." Khalil Gibran

Who cares if you remain a Christian? Who cares if you don’t claim any religion? Who cares what race you are? Knowledge of Self does not diminish anyone, it is the cure for the rampant ignorance that makes taking a life fair-seeming. It is a cure for the lack of respect for Almighty God and his creation.

Knowledge of Self makes insanity stop in its tracks. Knowledge of Self makes the most hardened criminal bow down to Almighty God. Knowledge of Self empowers you and is the biggest dose of self esteem any troubled young person can receive. Knowledge of Self inspires you to be the best parent, Knowledge of Self makes you treasure your babies and the institution of marriage. And Knowledge of Self makes you want to teach others.

Without Knowledge of Self, the young will continue to gravitate to the superficial power they see in gangs and television. And since Jesse and the rest are calling for the National Guard, they are clearly not up for the task.

How in the hell do you expect a Black man-child to show respect when they see men who ain’t got no heart begging for crumbs and police? Who the hell wants to be like that when they grow up?

Dust your Black Card off and stop acting like a punk. Metropolis

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COMMENTS (56):

Bob Meeks:

As far as I'm concerned, Derrion is a tragic test of our community's resolve. Either we are going to stand up and save our children, or, we are going to continue with the same old-same-old. Talk, marches, preaching, meetings, radio talk show hosts blabbering but no changes. Then, when the media coverage disappears, so will our interest until the next Derrion comes along, then the whole process starts over again. This is our pathetic pattern. To make matters worse, our ability to fix the problems diminishes with each incident.
It's just going to get worse & worse until some of us find the guts to get out here & save our kids. I applaud the efforts of the Bronzeville Metropolis to speak the truth and wish our men had the same courage. Keep up the great work!

Nicole B.:

EXCELLENT!!!

Jeff P.

Great article, Leila. We need more people to speak Truth to power. You're absolutely right, there is an identity crisis within the community and there is a solution: knowledge of self. These kids have no opportunity for self-discovery b/c the after-school activities aren't available to them. Lets get some stimulus money into these underserved neighborhoods so we can redirect the restlessness of these youth.

HG:

Well ALRIGHT!!!

T.

FRAUD AND EMBEZZLEMENT ON BEHALF OF JESUS!!!!!!! I can't wait to read the entire paper!

Phil:

I am speechless. My mother is so happy to read your column, she has a tear in her eye. Thank you, you speak the truth no one wants to or is afraid to speak. Instead of building new mega churches apply for a charter to open a bank in our community. You know that have cash flow.

Chukwu:

Leila, you are absolutely correct! Knowledge of self (coupled with TRUE knowledge of GOD) induces self and group constructive behavior instead of the opposite. It produces inner strength instead of tough shells to hide inner weakness. In the end true knowledge of self produces true love of self. And from this everything else positive germinates.

Attia:

One of the most powerful pieces I've read on the subject. Really great!!!

Joann:

AMEN, AMEN, AMEN!!!!!!!! Excellent observation and assessment!!!!! We all need to come together and help our children. The comments about our religious and politial leaders and the community, right on target. We should all be asking "What would Jesus Do" we should know, Almighty God has his back. I hope all that read this article really take to heart what needs to be done in our community, right now and do something about. Mentor a group of young men and women and if you don't want to do it, sponsor someone else to do it. You can find someone who can carry out that task, definitely with oversight in the mix, to make sure our children are being mentored.

Chef:

I just LOVE you!

Noni:

O-KAY, go Leila! Thanks!

Reg:

Here is another example of our WOMEN stepping up to SAY and DO what us men have failed to say and/or do. Its time for us to take the reigns of Responsibilty and Leadership in our own communities and stop begging SOMEBODY ELSE to do it! Look at the MAN IN THE MIRROR and TELL HIM TO CHANGE HIS WAYS, before troops are shooting at ALL of us, including the so-called INNOCENT ones among us! Thank You Leila for making the Bronzeville Metropolis the modern Pittsburgh Courier.

George:

Leila, this article is hard, but it's fair! Thank you for stepping out and being the voice for those who are reluctant to speak out at this time.

Jim:

It is clear that this exquisite stylist named Leila,is serious in her pursuit of a minimal-perhaps even a universal mode of expression for the emotional experiences that define our lives as humans. Her personal experience is at the center of each piece she writes,but none is solipsistic; the tone is understated and ironic,and all of her essays contains a hard-won glimmer of insight. Leila's essays come up on you quietly, but with a big Bang,and haunts you for days. Metropolis keep-up the outstanding work!

Matt:

Wow! You said it clearly...like no one really wants to! Congratulations on the re-launch of an undiluted paper! I'm at your service.

Rev. E.:

God has truly touched you. Your glowing!!! Pregnant with purpose,ya feel me.

Rev. J.:

GOOD STUFF!!!

Vanessa:

Oh My God!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Girllllllll!!!!!!!You showwww said it and set if off...I don't know why I clicked on that link this early in the day! How the heck you gon go off like that and not give the heads up? I shoulda known when you said "I ain't offering no apologies!" Yeah, it's yo paper and you have definitely said what the hell you wanted to. Next time prepare a sistah.

Aton:

Love it. You have more heart, and courage than most of your "peers" in that town.

Tony:

I love it - what you wrote. You spoke the HARD TRUTH. We as Black Men and people need to hear it each and everyday until it clicks. Peace & Blessings on you my Sister for you spoke the truth. It is time to roll up our sleeves and prepare to get dirty Learning Knowledge of Ourselves.

Keevin:

Socrates stated that "the prerequisite to life is to know thyself" since we don't know who, why and what we are as a people, we now live this savage lifestyle of depravity. The scripture talks about a good people who had the mark of the beast on their forehead and in their hands.

Look at how demonic we think and then we manifest those wicked thoughts on each other. If we knew who we were, we would not do to each other what we do. It is sad that some fear retribution for teaching our children our great history.

GOD is angry with us today because of our refusal to get up and do something for ourselves. To those of you who read scripture, the bible is literally walking off the pages today. We don't believe that GOD would come and save us.... Read More

Thank you Leila for being the warrior you are today. It is sad that in 2009, one sister has to say what men should be saying and doing. "GOD HELP THOSE WHO HELP THEMSELVES."

Mike:

I don't know what the rest of this article says...I can't make it past "praying for Burris and Blagojevich"!!!!!!!!!HAAHAHAHAHAHAAA

Ty:

I'm bout to go get a bow-tie right now!

Lanette:

You need your own TV SHOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mrs. Brown:

I'm sick of the punk preachers too!!!

Antoinette:

I know some soldiers in here - where dey at, where dey at?

Chris:

These clowns JUST DON'T GET IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!! IT'S A NEW DAY!

Kevin:

Have these fake reverends heard that WE HAVE A BLACK PRESIDENT????????????? EVERYBODY BETTER STEP THEIR GAME UP - AIN'T NOBODY PUTTING UP WITH THEIR BULL**** NO MORE!

MJ:

I don’t believe that whites are the devil nor do I believe that we are from aliens. I believe that EVERYONE is EQUAL. No matter what color he/she is. I use to read Final Call back in the early 90’s. Not a very friendly bunch :-)

Denise:

I love all that everybody has to say and it begins with I. We ought to stop critizing because everybody is doing something about what is happening and doing in their own way. We must not let the rest of our society breakdown while this is going on because if we do then the ones that do not fall through the cracks will have no where to go. Let's all keep doing what we are doing, do it stronger and louder and with more conviction and with more dedication. The police and the mayor do play a role in this we did not get this way alone remember that. The Word tells us that ONE CAN CONQUER 10,000, so let's keep true to what we know and keep pressing toward a solution. LET'S NOT KEEP PUTTING EACH OTHER DOWN. THAT'S ANOTHER TRICK OF THE ENEMY. NO MATTER HOW MUCH YOU MAY OR MAY NOT BE CORRECT. THAT ONLY ADDS FUEL TO A FIRE THAT'S ALREADY BURNING OUT OF CONTROL.

Rev. E.:

I totally agree with you [Metropolis]. We need more people to open their eyes to the real truth! We need more warriors. Come to are meetings on thusday evening at Woodlawn Health Clinic located 6337s Woodlawn from 4pm til 7pm. Our organization is called, PROJECT BROTHERHOOD!

Zatta:

I'm sick and tired of the rhetoric. If 'we' don't stop sitting on our principles, yet waving our bibles high our culture is going to die. WHAT ARE YOU DOING! What are we as individuals doing besides commenting about it. Entrepreneurs are you employing these youth? Are you mentoring, volunteering, supporting, or sponsoring programs that are geared toward educating, uplifting, and instilling a sense of self love and self pride in our youth. WHAT ARE YOU DOING? It's not enough to talk the talk, we have to walk the walk. If you aren't part of the solution, then stop talking about the problem. What happened to, "EACH ONE TEACH ONE." Debate is healthy, let us continue to fight against injustice, and not wait for the ills of our society to be cured before we do something to instill a sense of self love in another. We need to draw upon the words of Malcolm X, "Look at yourselves. How do you think I feel and I belong to a generation ahead of you - how do you think I feel to have to tell you, 'We, my generation, sat around like a knot on a wall. What did we do, who preceded you ? I'll tell you what we did. Nothing." Martin Luther King Jr. stated, "Everybody can be great. Because anybody can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't have to make your subject and your verb agree to serve..You don't have to know the second theory of thermodynamics in physics to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love." SHAKE YOURSELVES OUT OF YOUR SLUMBER, AND ENGAGE. IF ALL YOU SEE IS YOUR OWN SHADOW. THEN SHUT-UP!! WHAT ARE YOU DOING?????????? "If you ever think you're too small to be effective, you've never been in bed with a mosquito!" - Wendy Lesko

Bronzeville Metropolis:

Denise, with all due respect, isn't the book of Revelation all about the destruction of the wicked? Including churches and money-changers? The question is - do you or do you not believe in Jesus the Christ? Jesus condemned the wicked and REAL Christians should be doing the same thing. The wicked IS YOUR ENEMY. Even wicked churches. Jesus also said that he wished you would be hot or cold. But, because you are lukewarm, I spit you out of my mouth. Stop giving evil and mediocrity a pass. We are at war and our children are the casualties.

Kojo:

A SEARCH for SELF-IDENTITY aka (MY SANKOFA)
Followed a four years tour of duty, one in Korea and 2, 1/2 in Japan; begun with my introduction to nationalism in New York City during the cultural revolution of the early 1960s. Disillusioned with the social and political situation that prevailed at that time, I moved to Accra, Ghana with less than $300.00 and a vow to make a new home for myself and to be part of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah’s African revolution to free Africa of colonialist . There after being adoptive by an Ashanti Paramount Chief Nana Kwaku Duah, the Agogohene, of Agogo, I remained in Ghana for eleven (11) years 1965 to 1976) living, working and traveling in Ghana, Togo and the Ivory Coast".

Ricky:

WOW!!! You said a mouthfull...

Yvette:

This is the conversation everywhere. In fact there are some churches making a difference as well as the Nation of Islam. While I agree with much of what was said, I would rather each person who commented send a note back within the next week to share what you did to make a difference. Did you hire someone, train a child, say you are sorry, encourage a young man or woman to do better, give someone hope? We are in a state of analysis paralysis. Until each of us make a move to make a difference we are all responsible for the self-destruction.

Reda:

this is a very good website for me to start looking at for information,I like what yall is doing with this it is very interesting to and have all the news that i'm looking for this is what the world is looking for.....

Denise M.

Great article keep up the good work...

Green:

Will the Real MEN stand up! Chicago is tired of all these FAKE bought off so called Leaders! There is only one true leader and that is GOD! Karma is a Law.

P.

I can't get over this article! I printed it for everyone in my office and emailed it to everyone on my list. Black Girl, you are fine, smart, got your own ****, and a SOLDIER. It's YOUR WORLD!

Richie:

How can I be down? Let's do this!

Kim:

When the HELL IS YOUR NEXT ISSUE!!! I am now ADDICTED!

Danny:

Thank you, Thank your publication for helping us maintain some sense of human endeavor and a moral/political navigation system. Stay focused, stay rooted. If there is anything that I can do to contribute to the continued success of the spoken word; contact me. I like the publication and will continue to look forward to the input.
Thanks again and may our living God continue to bless. KEEP-SMILIN

Tanya:

How can I hear/see more of you? Your perspective fills a great void in our community. We are off-balance and this article knocked some sense into my head. I didn't realize I was following these clowns into a fiery furnace. I want pure, unadulterated truth. These reverends all have their own agenda. It's all about - me, money, and media. A huge injustice has been perpetrated against the little man by these preachers. They have bargained us off to the highest bidder.

Steve:

Your article titled WHO'S GOING TO RUN THIS TOWN was on time. Even me as a single father of an 11yr. old boy, I have been guilty of thinking thinking about other's who I can call instead of looking in the mirror at myself. Keep bringing good articles like these, we need it. Great Job.

Ron:

You should be proud of such a powerful issue of Metropolis.

Stephanie:

First I want to say I enjoyed reading this article. Yes, I agree where are the ministers/pastors of this city. It use to be a time when I was small that everyone cared about the well being of a child and your neighbors child. Now we have to argue with the aunt, the mother and the grandmother of the children that are causing problems. My Pastor held a stop the violence forum last week at whitney young high school. Attendees were Rev. Meeks, Police super, and a few more officals. But where was the mayor, he was ask to come. But, I guess since its not bringing money into the city, its not worth the time. My thing is this. Adults need to start being adults, children should know their place. But, they can't know their place if they are not taught. How to behave. When the grandmother is under 50. and the moms are still kids themselves. Where are the big mama's and the community that would stand up at all cost to defend one another to watch over each other. There are a lot of single parents out there, that do the best they can. But, training starts at home. And where is the pledge of alligence. That was our daily prayer. That was our coverage from GOD. How come that was taken out of the schools. Every parent has to take a stand and not be afraid to discipline their children. The fathers that are not around dont understand how hard it is. When you have to be the mother and the father. Especially to our boys. To teach them how to grown from boys to men. That women should be protected and loved, not beat on and used. That daughter's need to know what its like to be treated like a princess and know how it feels to be protected by the first man in their life. CHILDREN HOLD ON TO YOUR DREAMS BELEIVE IN LOVE AND LOVE WILL SHINE DOWN ON YOU ONE DAY. THE KEY IS LOVE PEOPLE, LOVE IS STRONGER THAN ANY ATTACH FROM THE ENEMY. AND GOD IS THE ONLY WAY TO PREVAIL.

Jerry:

This is a powerful newspaper.

Johnny:

thank you so much for your wisdom. It is wonderful to find a soul who has the courage to tell the truth. There is a book entitled The Heart of Mysticism by Joel goldsmith that i truly believe you will enjoy Ms Khaled,it has made me aware of who i truly am and has brought great happiness to my life. Please continue to tell the truth that we all are the word made flesh and it is our responsibility to be each others keeper,because god is all,and that includes every living thing. Thank you again.If i can be of any assistance to you paper please feal free to e mail me.

J.:

I went into Bronzeville Coffee House and everybody at every table was reading the same newspaper. I asked them where did they get and ran to the table to get me one. NOW I KNOW WHY! Oh MY GOD! You go girl!

Lawrence:

L - where are we going from here? Let's do this. I'm down.

Sonny S.:
Nice article.

Denise D.:
I just love all the comments. Great dialog. The fire is burning. People are ready for action. Keep up the momentum!

David:
My Sista, your insightfulness should be what every Black Man wears on his subconsiousness. It still confounds me as to why WE ( Black Men) still play games with the power that God has built into us. Your truth is what should be the daily motivation that is a catalyst for change. When our Leaders sic. learn to act on and in truth, maybe then can the peace we so desperatly need in our community will make itself apparent. Peace D.M.L.

Rev. Glenn:
Even though I am a Preacher I could not have said it any better myself. u speak da truth.brother preachers if u ain't one of the bent over punks stand UP. I've always been told if u don't stand 4 something you'll fall 4 anything.

Tam:

I need 400 newspapers. Me and my kids will deliver them door to door in Englewood.

Reba:

This is a wonderful outlet for neighborhood issues. We need to empower each other as neighbors in order to build a strong community.

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